Becoming A Clinical Psychologist Personal Statement Essay

Growing up in Ecuador certainly influenced what I wanted to study. I was not sure I would ever be able to live in the United States. Hence, I needed to study for a highly regarded and well-paying job there. Although there are clinical psychologists in my home country, the career is undervalued because people refrain from going to therapy. Unfortunately, seeing a psychologist is equated with weakness or severe mental illness. The stigma surrounding the field did not allow me to consider clinical psychology as a viable option. My parents wanted me to either become a lawyer or a doctor because those two career options have the most prestige in our culture. Since I had great admiration for my father who was a lawyer, I decided to follow along with his footsteps. After I graduated from high school in Ecuador, …show more content…
Although my father passed away shortly after I started fulfilling the prerequisites, I want to make him proud. I was unable to finish a career in his lifetime, but I know that he will appreciate the effort. I want to make my mother and sister proud of my professional success as well since they are constantly cheering me on. In addition, becoming a clinical psychologist will give me the financial stability I have longed for. I do not want to work in an office or retail job for the rest of my life. Those jobs do not allow me to reduce my student debt. I have gone through enough economic hardship to meet my goals. I believe I deserve to reap the fruits of my labor. Finally, I will enjoy the status associated with this career. A clinical psychologist has prestige in this society. I want to be well-respected for what I do for a living. Working at a bank, call center, office, etc., has never thrilled me. I have held those jobs for a paycheck. I did not enjoy them. Becoming a clinical psychologist will allow me to tell everyone I know, my job description with the biggest